Beijing show: Aussie-bound Leapmotor shows off C16 three-row electric family SUV
Stellantis-backed Aussie-bound Chinese electrified car brand Leapmotor has revealed the three-row C16 SUV at the Beijing auto show.
The sort of vehicle that would shape as a logical model for Leapmotor to bring to Australia, it shapes as a cut-price family SUV alternative to the Kia EV9.
In China, the C16 has been launched with a 2 + 2 + 2 interior layout and has a forecast starting price under 200,000 yuan, or $43,000.
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Leapmotor is expected to go on-sale in Australia before the end of 2024 via Stellantis – Jeep, Alfa Romeo et al – dealers with the smaller five-seat C10 leading the way.
The Australian roll-out is the responsibility of a new Stellantis-Leapmotor joint-venture that is charged with the global expansion of the start-up established in 2015.
Stellantis is backing Leapmotor’s international expansion as a shorthand way of lowering its own CO2 emissions and avoiding significant fines.
That applies in multiple regions of the world including Australia, where the NVES is due to commence in 2025.
Leapmotor is one of multiple Chinese brands headed to Australia along with Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Geely and more.
Based on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.0 architecture, the C16 measures up at 4915mm long, 1905mm wide and 1770mm high and it has a 2825mm wheelbase. The kerb weight is 2065kg-2095kg.
The C16 will be offered in China as both a battery electric vehicle and a range extender hybrid.
According to Chinese media the BEV is equipped with a 215 kW permanent magnet electric motor and a 67 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack.
The top speed is 160 km/h and the CLTC cruising range is 520 km. The EV version also comes standard with an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform, in which it takes 15 minutes to replenish from 30 per cent to 80 per cent.
The range extender (or EREV) includes a 70 kW 1.5L four-cylinder range-extender engine, a 170 kW electric motor, and a 28 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The top speed is 170 km/h and the pure electric range is 230 km.
Other features include a roof lidar and cameras to support advanced driving assistance functionalities. It also includes flush-closing doorhandles and the car sits on either 20-inch or 21-inch rims.
